This medal commemorates the 200th anniversary of this fine regiment and simultaneously commemorates the two emperors, Charles VI and Franz-Joseph. The full title of the regiment in 1914 was Kaiser Franz-Joseph No 1 and it was originally raised in 1715.

Interestingly, I have two examples of this medal, one in bronze (this one) and the other in pot metal, but in both cases singularly fine strikings, both signed by the sculptor 'KAPS', clearly on the bronze and close to illegible on the pot metal example. The edges of the pot metal example are canted at a slight angle, forming a triangle in cross-section. The bronze example has conventional straight edges, but they have undoubtedly been struck from the same die.

The condition is GVF, with a little rubbing to the highlights, of Franz-Joseph's eyebrow, in particular.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.